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playing hardball

ADJECTIVE
effective
Synonyms
STRONGEST
active adequate compelling competent direct efficient forceful impressive potent powerful practical successful useful valid
STRONG
effectual efficacious
WEAK
able big-wheel capable cogent convincing emphatic energetic forcible having lead in pencil live moving on the ball operative persuasive powerhouse producing resultant serviceable serving sound striking telling trenchant virtuous wicked yielding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
helpless impotent inadequate incapable incompetent ineffective inefficient insufficient unable useless weak worthless
STRONG
unproductive unsuccessful
WEAK
fruitless inoperative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, he wasn’t surprised to see business leaders start playing hardball.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

But to Ms. Ewen, a 35-year veteran of business reporting, the episode shows that the industry is trying to divert attention from real problems — and that some members are playing hardball.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2023

For now, however, they are having a ball playing hardball — and forging a path for other women to do so.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2021

Maybe it's playing hardball to try to get the best possible compromise with Brussels.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2021

House leaders are increasingly playing hardball with the rogue lawmakers.

From Salon • Aug. 25, 2021